Myth of Latin

344 Words2 Pages
Myth of the Latin woman 2. Note the times when Cofer explains rather than denies the basis for stereotyping. For instance, rather than deny that Latinas prefer vivid colors, she explains that this preference reflects the bright landscape of their homelands. Does this strategy work, or do you think Cofer is playing to the stereotype? a. I believe that Cofer is playing with the stereotype and, ultimately, creating a paradox for the reader. This is because when Cofer explains that Latinas prefer vivid colors but like them because they reflect the landscape they live upon. By doing this he creates a statement that may seem contradictory to the overall serotype but in reality he is creating a paradox with the true statement and making it seem false. He does this to persuade the reader that the reasons Latinas like vivid colors is because it relates to their homelands and describes their culture the best. In all Cofer’s rewording helped the audience better understand why Latinas love their, vivid like, colors. 3. Note the sections of the essay that refer to personal experience. Does Cofer’s use of personal experience weaken her argument or make it more effective? Explain. Would the essay be more effective with less—or more—personal experience? Explain your view. a. 5. How does Cofer broaden the argument from her personal experience to larger concerns, including other stereotypes (or stereotypes of other communities)? a. 8. According to Cofer, “Mixed cultural signals have perpetuated certain stereotypes—for example, that of the Hispanic woman as the ‘Hot Tamale’ or sexual firebrand. It is a one-dimensional view that the media have found easy to promote. In their special vocabulary, advertisers have designated ‘sizzling’ and smoldering’ as the adjectives of choice for describing now only the foods but also the women of Latin America” (para. 6). Does
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